the Chamber's twice monthly e-newsletter

President's Message

Welcome to The Phoenix, the Chamber’s e-newsletter.

In this issue, hear how metro Atlanta hit a major milestone by surpassing 5 million people last year, as recently reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.

You’ll also learn about the newly announced Greater Grady Task Force, and get the latest up-to-date information on H.B. 434, the regional transportation bill.

I hope you’ll also enjoy hearing how more than 40 public, private and non-profit organizations in metro Atlanta gathered to talk about what they are doing to address water resources and scarcity on an international, national and regional scale.

Thanks for reading. We will continue to keep you informed on the issues you care about.

Sincerely,

Sam A. Williams
President
Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

Hot Topics

Metro Atlanta Hits 5 Million Mark

The U.S. Census Bureau reported last week that metro Atlanta surged past 5 million people last year.

“This population growth is national evidence of what we've known for a long time – that metro Atlanta's economy continues to capture more than its proportionate share of economic success,” said Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. “This milestone is also a reminder that we must rise to the challenge of managing the unintended consequences of our success by tackling infrastructure and quality-of-life issues. This region is a powerful economic engine that can only be threatened if we fail to pay attention to issues such as transportation, education and water resources.”

Greater Grady Task Force to be Formed

As approved unanimously by the Chamber’s board on March 15, the Chamber is creating a Greater Grady Task Force to be led by former Georgia-Pacific Chairman A.D. Pete Correll and H.J. Russell CEO Michael Russell. To be comprised of business and civic leaders, the task force was requested by the Grady Hospital Authority board who recognized the need to bring business community insights into the discussion about this important asset. The task force plans to spend the next 90 days studying Grady Health System’s finances, structures and operations before delivering its recommendations.

Transportation Update

Fighting traffic gridlock continues to be our No. 1 priority of the legislative session.

Here is the latest on H.B. 434 from Bill Linginfelter, Georgia State CEO for Wachovia Bank and chair of the Chamber's transportation policy committee.

"H.B. 434 was filed this year to enable the public to vote on regional transportation needs, sparking transportation funding discussion in the legislature," said Bill Linginfelter, Georgia State CEO for Wachovia Bank and chair of the transportation policy committee for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. "The bill ultimately garnered the support of 17 chambers of commerce - including the Georgia, Augusta, and Savannah Chambers - along with several other important organizations such as Central Atlanta Progress, the Livable Communities Coalition, and the Georgia Association of Realtors.  It passed out of the House Ways and Means subcommittee and is well-positioned for positive action in the 2008 session.  This is a complex bill on a complex subject and it is not surprising that it will take a two-year legislative cycle for its passage."

Tell everyone you know to log on and send a letter to lawmakers in support of H.B. 434.

http://www.getgeorgiamoving.com/

Atlanta Celebrates World Water Day

More than 40 public, private and non-profit organizations in metro Atlanta gathered last week to talk about what they are doing to address water resources and scarcity on an international, national and regional scale.

“Metro Atlanta is an epicenter of public, private and non-profit groups working on water on a local, national and global scale,” said Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. “This is a particularly timely event as Georgia develops its first-ever Comprehensive Statewide Water Plan due in July. We are working in partnership with the state's Environmental Protection Division to develop a fact-based state water plan that ensures that metro Atlanta can continue to grow in a sustainable way.”

Click here to learn more

Small Business Person of the Year Nominations

Since 1986, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Business Chronicle have honored one outstanding small business professional at the annual Small Business Person of the Year Awards. Arnold Silverman, President of Silverman Construction Program Management, was named Atlanta’s 2006 Small Business Person of the Year as the Annual Small Business Person of the Year Awards celebrated its 20th year.

Small businesses are a critical sector. Of the more than 130,000 total businesses in metro Atlanta, 94.8 percent employ fewer than 50 people.

Past award winners have included: Bryan Kujawski, President, 360i.com; Michael Kogon, CEO, Definition 6; Oscar Harris, Chairman and Founder, Turner Associates Architects & Planners; Claire Arnold, CEO, Leapfrog Services and Dan O’Leary, President, O’Leary Partners.

To qualify, nominees are required to be a primary owner or a major shareholder of a business that has been locally established for at least three years with gross annual revenues not exceeding $40 million. They are also required to be a member in good standing of the Chamber and an active member of the community.

This year’s sponsors include AirTran Airways, AT&T, WABE-FM 90.1, IBM and Exact Target. The 21st Annual Small Business Person of the Year Awards luncheon will take place on Friday, June 8, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in the newly re-opened Imperial Ballroom from noon -1:30 p.m. Tickets are available for Metro Atlanta Chamber members for $45 and can be purchased by emailing Beth Goette at events@macoc.com or by calling 404.586.8429.

We are accepting applications now for the 2007 Small Business Person of the Year.

Sports Corner

Lead-Off Your Braves Baseball Season with a Luncheon

Missed the Braves spring training in Orlando? Can’t make it to opening day on April 6? Be a part of the Braves Lead-Off Luncheon April 10 at the Intercontinental Hotel. Get an inside look at the upcoming 2007 season, and have lunch with Braves players, coaches and executives. The program is brought to you by the Atlanta Sports Council and the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

Be a part of the 2007 Braves Luncheon

Chamber Events

April

4 Wednesday
Member Orientation
Members are invited to this monthly session to learn the ways to get the most out of their Chamber investment.
Time:10:15 a.m. Registration/Networking
10:45 a.m. Program
Noon-1 p.m. Lunch/Networking
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber Of Commerce 235 Andrew Young International Blvd
Lunch Sponsor: Glorious Events
RSVP Required

5 Thursday
Small Business Matters
New program for 2007 relating to specific issues of interest to small to mid-size businesses with a focus on learning how to do business with big business. The speaker will be Jim Dawson, managing partner, Automation Marketing.
Time: 11:30-1:30 p.m
Non-members: $50
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd, Board Room
RSVP Required

10 Tuesday
Leads to Business
Come to the Chamber and network with fellow members. This program is designed to integrate people into the Chamber. It allows people to introduce themselves and openly promote their company.
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Non-members: $50
Location: Metro Atlanta Chamber Of Commerce
235 Andrew Young International Blvd.
RSVP Required

11 Wednesday
Power Networking Luncheon
Join Chamber members at lunch to network. This program is designed to integrate people into the Chamber. It allows people to introduce themselves and openly promote their company.
Time: 11:30 - 1 p.m.
Cost: $12
Non-members: $50
Location: Hamilton Mill, 1995 Hamilton Mill Parkway, Dacula, GA 30019
RSVP is required.

Community Events

Atlanta Press Club hosts Sam A. Williams
The Atlanta Press Club will host Sam A. Williams, President of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, at a Newsmaker Luncheon on Thursday, April 12, at The Commerce Club. He will discuss “Metro Atlanta 2030 — Challenges & Opportunities.”

This luncheon is open to the public. APC members may purchase individual tickets for $28 each or tables of 10 for $280, which includes signage. The nonmember prices are $35 for individual tickets and $350 for tables of 10 with signage. The $6 parking fee is not included in the ticket price. Tickets and tables may be purchased at www.atlantapressclub.org or by calling 404-577-7377. No tickets will be sold after noon on Wednesday, April 11. Payment must accompany reservations, and there is a 48-hour cancellation policy.

Atlanta- A Legacy of Champions
This weekend, Atlanta will host thousands of basketball fans for the 2007 NCAA Men's Final Four, March 30 – April 2. To help roll out the red carpet for thousands of guests who’ll be in town, the Atlanta Local Organizing Committee and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau have created a community welcome. Plan the best experience for our Final Four Fans by visiting http://www.atlanta.net/legacy/.